Samoan sand dart
📖 Overview
Inhabits sandy areas subject to strong wave action . Also reported from freshwater streams, mainly where freshwater streams ran dead in beach . It feeds on polychaetes . Of no commercial interest but may be taken incidentally .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 13. Diagnosis: Characterized by translucent whitish colour with brown speckling and reddish smudge on occipital region; broadly separated spinous and soft portions of dorsal rays, fully connected by membrane, a broader gap between fifth and sixth dorsal spines compared to gap between previous spines; fourth to seventh pectoral-fin rays branched; pelvic fins separated to base with branched rays; 10 cirri on lower edge of gill cover instead of scalloped margin; depth of body 8.5-10.2 times in standard length, head length 3.9-4.3 in standard length; narrow interorbital space, less than half of eye diameter .: eel-like; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Samoan sand dart is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 5 m . Tropical; 14°N - 18°S East Africa to the Society Islands (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
polychaetes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraemeria sandvicensis | Steindachner | 1906 | Synonym |
| Vitreola sagitta | Jordan & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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